Dawlish News

A Convalescent home fined £5,000 two weeks ago after a food-poisoning incident is to close. During a hearing Llandudno Magistrates were told if losses at the Railway Convalescent Home, near Llandudno's West Shore, continued the home could close within seven or eight years. Yesterday however, the home's trustees announced that the home will close early next year. "It has been brought about by a continuing decline in the use of the convalescent facilities despite substantial investment in buildings and amenities in recent years," said a spokesman. The charity will continue to run a home in Dawlish, Devon. The Princess Royal, who is patron of the charity, visited the Llandudno home three years ago to mark a £1.5m refit. At last month's court hearing the home pleaded guilty to two charges arising from the use of slightly cooked eggs in an egg nog coffee pie in April. After eating the sweet 15 people, including the home's second chef, were taken ill. The company's solicitor said the last five years had been difficult for the charity, with costs exceeding income. Despite cost-cutting there was a current loss of £230,000. The charity employs 73 people between the two homes, looking after 3,500 guests annually.